The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Richard C. Blum is chairman of Blum Capital Partners, L.P., and co-chairman of Newbridge Capital, LLC. Mr. Blum earned his B.A. and M.B.A degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. He was the recipient of UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business Alumnus of the Year Award in 1994 and is a member of the advisory board of the school. Mr. Blum serves as a director on a number of boards, including Playtex Products, Glenborough Realty Trust and is chairman of CB Richard Ellis. He also serves as co-chairman of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, founder and chairman of the American Himalayan Foundation, and board member of the World Wildlife Fund and the Wilderness Society. He is also a trustee and a member of the executive committee of the Carter Center, founded by former President Jimmy Carter. Mr. Blum was appointed as a regent in 2002 by Gov. Davis to a 12-year term.